Chinook Pass Highway (SR 410)
Mountain highway when the snow gates open
State Route 410 climbs from western Washington’s timber country into true alpine territory, cresting Chinook Pass at 5,432 feet between Mount Rainier and the William O. Douglas Wilderness. The paved highway transforms into serious mountain driving through Naches Pass country that challenged wagon trains in the 1850s. Cayuse Pass and Tipsoo Lake mark the high country entry, where subalpine meadows explode with wildflowers during brief summer months and Mount Rainier dominates the western skyline.
Easy to moderate difficulty depending on weather conditions—this is a paved highway accessible to any vehicle when open, but mountain driving skills help with steep grades and potential weather changes. Snow gates typically close the pass October through May, making this a true seasonal adventure. No permits required for transit, but Northwest Forest Pass needed for trailhead parking. Stock up on fuel in Enumclaw or Yakima—no services at elevation. Crystal Mountain Resort provides the only reliable cell service along the route. Summer wildflower displays and fall larch colors make this one of Washington’s premier scenic drives.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 93 mi / 150 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5432 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Nearest town | Enumclaw, Washington |
| Land manager | Washington State Department of Transportation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | wsdot.wa.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a 4x4 or high clearance vehicle for Chinook Pass?
No. SR 410 is a paved state highway and any street vehicle can drive it when open — sedans, minivans, two-wheel drive rigs, all fine. High clearance and 4x4 are irrelevant here.
When do the snow gates open and close at Chinook Pass?
The pass typically opens in late May or June depending on snowpack and closes again in November, sometimes earlier after a hard storm. Check WSDOT's real-time mountain pass page before you go — gate status can change fast.
Is there a permit or fee to drive SR 410 through Chinook Pass?
No fee to drive the highway itself. If you're stopping inside Mount Rainier National Park boundaries along the route, you'll need a park pass — America the Beautiful or a $35 vehicle pass covers it.
What's the hardest or sketchiest section of this drive?
Nothing technical — it's a paved highway. The switchbacks near the summit can feel tight if you're towing a large trailer, and afternoon fog or sudden weather at 5,400 feet can cut visibility fast. That's about as gnarly as it gets.
Is there dispersed camping along SR 410, and how far is the nearest gas?
Yes, dispersed camping is available in the Okanogan-Wenatchee and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest sections flanking the highway — pull off, find a flat spot away from the road, follow Leave No Trace. Fuel up in Enumclaw before heading east or in Yakima on the other end; there's no reliable gas along the 93-mile stretch.
Trail track
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